Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.

Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Meeting held on March 4, 2025. By going to this link, you can watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. Young said the College Park Woods Clubhouse ribbon cutting will be held on Thursday, March 6 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm. He said the Duvall Field Phase 2 ribbon cutting will occur Friday, March 14 at 8:30am. He announced College Park Day will be on Saturday, October 18 from 12 – 6pm. A Women’s History Month event will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 1pm – “Meet” Eleanore Roosevelt through a living history performance. For more information, visit https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=8596.

Mayor Kabir announced a Town Hall with College Park County Council representatives Eric Olson and Tom Dernoga on March 22 at 10:30am in City Hall. 

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Whitney made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Stuart Katzenberg, non-resident union represent for city of College Park employees – Thanked the Council, City Manager Kenny Young and Teresa Way-Pezzutti, Director of Human Resources, for the union agreement that recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day, and health and safety. 

Craig Johnson, resident, student at UMD – commented on the construction noise in Lot 7 which starts at 7am each morning. He said there is also noise on Saturdays. He said the noise is disruptive and maddening and he recently called to lodge a complaint. He said there is an apartment complex and houses close by. He said he moved to College Park to be a student and asked if this situation is fair to residents. Mr. Young said the property is on university property and there is a different way it needs to be handled. Mr. Young said he would reach out to university administration. 

Dave Dorsch, resident – the city should sell the house at 4704 Calvert Road. He is asking the Council to seriously consider selling the house. He asked if we know how many people have lived in the community for 50 years or more and how many are eighty and over. He said these individuals should be recognized and celebrated. Mayor Kabir said the Senior Committee has looked into that data and can provide it. 

Husain, non-resident – working with advanced technology center. The majority whip David Moon has agreed to send information about the project. He mentioned talking to a reporter from Maryland Matters about results from a survey. He has sent a message to all council members and staff and would like to know how this can benefit College Park. He said he would like to know what economic efficiencies are needed. 

CONSENT AGENDA

25-G-28 Ratification of a new three-year Agreement between the City of College Park, Maryland and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1209C, AFL-CIO, and authorization for the City Manager to sign the new Agreement – Teresa Way-Pezzuti, Director of Human Resources 

25-G-31 Approval of a letter in support of Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation’s (DPW&T) application to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Transit Land-Use Connections (TLC) Grant Program for the Northern Prince George’s East-West Bikeway Planning Study – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning 

Councilmember Esters made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mackie. It was unanimously approved.

PRESENTATIONS:

Signing of the Agreement between the City of College Park, Maryland and the American 

Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1209C, AFL-CIO. 

The mayor invited the director of Human resources and members of the union to sign their contract agreement. 

AFSCME Local 3 represents the Department of Public Works field employees. The current three-year contract expires on June 30, 2025. The City Manager, Director of Human Resources, and the Director of Public works have been negotiating with the Union since December of 2024. The City Manager and Director of Human Resources met with Council in a closed session to discuss the terms of the contract. 

The Agreement stipulates a 4.5% COLA on July 1, 2025 (estimated cost of $183,507 for the bargaining unit employees): a 3.0% COLA on July 1, 2026 (estimated cost of $154,069 for the bargaining unit employees), and a 3.0% COLA on July 1, 2027 (estimated cost of $162,658 for the bargaining unit employees). However, it has been the City’s practice to extend the COLA to all employees. The City Manager will include a recommendation for other employees in his FY2026 Proposed Budget for Council consideration.

The Union representative, union staff members, City Manager, Director of Human Resources and Director of Public works joined the council meeting to sign the new three-year agreement. 

Mayor Kabir to present the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation to Ellen Tappin. 

Councilmember Hew recognized Ms. Ellen Tappin, District 1 resident, for suggesting a proclamation to recognize Colorectal Cancer. He said it is preventable. He said it is estimated there will be 2,620 people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Maryland this year, and 950 will perish. The screening age has changed from 55 to 45. Councilmember Hew said people in a high-risk category should get tested every five years.

ACTION ITEMS 

25-G-29 Approval of a Signage and Parking Enforcement Agreement with the University of Maryland to enforce parking along the portion of Lehigh Road located west of Baltimore Avenue – Steve Halpern, City Engineer and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney

Mr. Halpern, City Engineer, introduced the action item and said many years ago parking enforcement used to oversee parking at what was once Sterling Place, but as owners have changed hands that site is now Union at Knox and the city was relieved of those duties. Lehigh Road is the location of the entrance and exit for the Union at Knox garage. Cars park in front of the businesses in this location, blocking cars exiting the garage. The University has asked the city to enforce parking in this area. 

Councilmember Rigg said there is an interest among the business owners in parallel parking on Lehigh Road, and they have been using parking for their patrons. Mr. Halpern confirmed there is not enough parking on the roadway. Riggs said he was open to accepting the motion but would like to make sure there are solutions for the businesses and their patrons. 

Councilmember Esters said there were many examples of garages in proximity that provide parking for retail patrons, including Riverdale Park and Mix It Food Hall in Mount Rainier. Mr. Young said that the difference in the garages mentioned by Councilmember Esters is that the spaces were created to accommodate patrons on their property; the businesses near Union at Knox are not part of their property. Mr. Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager, said the Union at Knox does have parking available for retail patrons for a fee.

Councilmember Whitney asked if the city would retain any money from ticketing. Mr. Halpern confirmed that would be the case. 

Councilmember Hew asked why the university is coming to the city to patrol the area. Mr. Young said they approached UMD about the problem because the complaints were coming to the city. We do not want to take away from the University’s responsibility but would like to make sure there are solutions. 

Councilmember Rigg made the motion to approve signage and parking enforcement, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell. 

25-G-30 Approval of the November 2025 General Election Date – Yvette Allen, City Clerk and Susan Huemmrich, Chief Board of Election Supervisors 

Ms. Huemmrich introduced the item by saying that the Board of Elections Supervisors (BOES) considered what would serve as greater incentive for their work and although money is not insulting, it is not the main driver. They want to help increase voter engagement. She discussed three recommendations BOES brought to Council including Vote 16, rank choice voting and moving to an entirely mail-in vote. She said the city has considered Vote 16 and rank choice voting but has had difficulty with mail-in voting. She said that voting by mail increased the number of voters significantly in 2021. The BOES would like to keep this recommendation alive for many reasons. For the upcoming elections, they would like to mail ballots to all who registered for mail-in voting and those who make the request.

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanks Ms. Huemmrich and the BOES for consideration of another voting day, and for the voting drop box in College Park Woods. She said residents have asked about provisional ballots and how they are counted. There is concern that provisional ballots are not counted at all. Ms. Huemmrich said the canvas of the votes are televised so residents can watch to see that all votes are counted. Ms. Allen said the city needs to verify that provisional voters are registered, and they may not be counted if someone moved from one district to another. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked about a rumor of votes not being counted and being trashed. Ms. Huemmrich reiterated that it does not happen and spoke of the integrity of BOES volunteers. 

Councilmember Esters thanked the BOES for their work, including the Sunday early voting day. She asked if any consideration was given to other locations discussed. Ms. Huemmrich said churches would not work on Sunday and there was reluctance to use the VFW since they serve alcohol. 

Councilmember Hew asked if the polling hours at Davis Hall could be changed from 10am – 5pm. Ms. Allend said it was a council decision but asked for council to consider that volunteers will be there 2 hours before and 2 hours after. 

Councilmember Hernandez said previously it was not possible to use Davis Hall. Ms. Allen said it was not that it was impossible, but BOES wanted to move toward one day of voting. Ms. Huemmrich said what drove Davis Hall was an urge to compromise. 

Councilmember Whitney thanked Ms. Huemmrich for spirit of compromise and listening to the request from residents. She said the city is 5-square miles and that residents are asked to make the effort once every 2 years. She said it is not hard to vote in College Park and she would not support extending the hours.

Ms. Allen said we need to move forward in setting the time now. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made the motion to approve Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as General Election Day at City Hall and Sunday, November 1 from 11 am to 4 pm as Early Voting Day at Davis Hall, seconded Councilmember Mackie. The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-0. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said it is incumbent upon us to set the tone. 

Councilmember Rigg said the special election is going on now and the city is getting this process down to a science. He said he wants us to come to terms with moving toward a completely mail-in election. 

Councilmember Mackie mentioned the great work of the BOES and the judges and spoke of the integrity of the vote. College Park is a leader in the county as it relates to the vote. College Park has been a pioneer in this area. Residents are encouraged to vote and to trust our BOES. Ms. Huemmrich recognized the 200 hours Ms. Allen put into the special election. 

25-O-01 Introduction of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park amending City Code Chapters 125-10, “Housing Regulations”; “Chapter 141-6 “Refuse Toter and Recycling Containers; and Chapter 110 Fees and Penalties – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney 

Mr. Khokhar said there was a discussion of language for the ordinance at the February 11 Mayor and Council meeting that would be brought back to Council. 

Council Mackie asked about language on page 61 there is language regarding carts and if it would cover people who are on a hill who may have difficulty moving items. Ms. Anderson, City Attorney, said yes, there was discussion with the city staff who said there is a process to address this situation. 

Councilmember Hew asked about the $50 fine and asked if there was an escalation in the fee. Ms. Anderson there is no escalation but each day it is violated, it is $50. Ms. Anderson said that judges also read a reasonable standard for fees and may reduce it. 

Councilmember Rigg made the motion to approve, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. The motion was approved unanimously.

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

ZMA-2024-002, The Mark rezoning from RTO-L-E to RTO-PD for the re-development of a student housing facilities (involving the razing of College Park Towers and the construction of new student housing) located at 4330 Harwick Road and 4313 Knox Road. Planning Board Hearing tentatively scheduled for March 27, 2025- Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Community Development and Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner. 

Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner, introduced the items and said the applicant (The Mark) is requesting to rezone their property from RTO-L-E (Regional Transit-Oriented, Low-Intensity-Edge) to RTO-PD (Regional Transit-Oriented, Planned Development) to accommodate their plan for future development. The 4.62-acre property is located at 4330 Hartwick Road and 4313 Knox Road, west of Baltimore Avenue, and is developed with two multi-family condominium buildings known as College Park Towers. The condominiums are owned by several individuals and leased primarily to students who attend the University of Maryland. The Developer plans to tear down the current structures and replace them with two new high density student apartment buildings. This meeting is to discuss the rezoning request. This item is scheduled to come back as an action item on March 18th. The location is approximately one block from campus. The Pre-Application Neighborhood meeting was held on September 19, 2024, in the College Park Council Chambers. 

Mr. Nunes said there were three parts to the rezoning process:

1. The Rezoning Review 
2. Preliminary Plan
3. Detailed site plan

Councilmember Whitney appreciated the feedback from the BPAC but said she would prefer to also see information shared with councilmembers from the district where the development is occurring. Ms. Bader said that was the intent, and that we are early enough in the process for councilmembers to provide feedback 

Councilmember Hew asked for a green statement, an ordinance passed at the county level about EV parking and asked for a percentage of affordable housing. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked for the difference between the existing zoning to the new zoning. He also asked if developers would be allowed to charge by the room. Ms. Bader said they would be allowed to charge by room. The condominiums are primarily occupied by students. Councilmember Hernandez asked how many condominiums we have in College Park versus student housing developments. Ms. Bader said we have three condominiums and fifteen student housing developments. Councilmember Hernandez said he is encouraged to see investment in our community but is discouraged by this project. 

Councilmember Mackie asked about the planting of trees and asked about what is being done to protect Guilford Run. She also asked about the needs of the Orthodox Jewish community who live in the current development. Ms. Bader said she did talk to members of the Jewish faith and was informed by the developer there would be a manual key to access the building on the Sabbath. 

Councilmember Esters reiterated the focus on affordable housing and said the developer had a chance to do something different with this project. She also asked about the point at which a traffic study will be done given the development density and proximity to Route 1. Ms. Bader said it will be done during the next phase, the preliminary plan.

SGA Liaison Otte said as a student representative there to too many luxury apartments in College Park. Tearing down affordable housing overrides the plan to focus on affordable housing. She emphasized the needs of the Jewish students and does not want the city to sacrifice affordability. 

Attorney Chris Hatcher, representative for Landmark Properties, said that Landmark developed the Standard at College Park, which is completed and fully leased. He said many of the questions raised by the Council and from residents are associated with preliminary site plans. He said the developer is seeking relief from the loading areas since the space is fully furnished. He mentioned the benefits of the proposed North and South Plazas. He said they learned about the importance of Ancestors Lane to the city and wanted to respond, although this came up late in the process. 

Bob Keen – WDG Architecture (Union on Knox, Atworth, Terrapin Row) gave an overview of the Pedestrian Promenade/Greenway which will be ADA accessible and bike-friendly; the space will be a linear park. There is a staircase and series of ramps. He said the space will accommodate bikes in an artful way. He anticipates there will be about fifty trees in the area and there will be pocket park. They are looking to do a project that activates the street and works withing the scope and the materials. 

Mr. Hatcher said EV parking will be provided at this building as they have provided parking at other buildings. He said that the new county ordinance green building standards will be met. 

Mayor Kabir mentioned the questions from Councilmember Hernandez about the saturation of student housing. Hatcher indicated that the city has always said they wanted student housing in a specific area, which is where this housing will go. 

Mr. Hamilton Reynolds said he worked on the development of The Standard and has been tracking the project. He said they would not build if the demand were not there. 

Councilmember Rigg asked for the current density of the College Park Towers. Currently there are 202 units, and the new development is slated for 600-690 units. The current development has close to one hundred owners in the building and there are not many owner-occupied units. Councilmember Rigg asked if rezoning is not achieved what would be done. They do not know yet. He asked if there would be enough light to accommodate the proposed trees. Mr. Keen said there would be, since the exposure is north to south and not east to west. Councilmember Rigg asked for a definition of vehicle stacking. Ms. Bader explained vehicle stacking as how many cars can line up in an area before it backs up into the roadway. 

Councilmember Rigg said he was pushing back on Mr. Hatcher’s comments about the city not wanting more student housing. Councilmember Rigg said he brought up his concerns given the question about saturation. Councilmember Rigg asked about stormwater management. Mr. Hatcher said there is currently no stormwater management on the site, and the new development would provide such management. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked the developer to work with the city to meet its strategic goals. 

SGA Liaison Otte said parking is an issue at these buildings, amenities that are provided often garner higher prices and asked about the difference in these apartments from the others. 

Mr. Hatcher said the developer would decouple parking from the units to help discourage more cars from coming into the city.   

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said we pivoted from the focus of 20 years ago for affordable housing. The price point for housing is high for students. 

SGA Liaison McDonald asked if the developer would commit to some form of affordability. Mr. Hatcher said they do not have prices yet. Mr. Reynolds said their rents normally include internet and utilities. Rigg suggested price points comparable to the cost of on-campus housing. Mr. Hamilton said they would be open to talking about it. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said there is a tentative preliminary planning date for March 27. She asked if the developer would you be willing to consider the comments from the council. Mr. Hatcher said he was not clear about the request for affordable student housing.

Councilmember Hernandez asked if the developer had affordable student housing in their portfolio and Mr. Reynolds said yes, they do. Hernandez said you must have knowledge about what we are asking for. Mr. Reynolds said inclusionary zoning is typically known from the start. They have been working on the project for 18 months. 

Councilmember Hew acknowledged working with Mr. Hatcher when he we previously on the council and said he hoped Mr. Hatcher heard the council loud and clear.  

Legislative Review (there is a possibility that action will be taken on time-sensitive bills) -Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Gardiner provided an overview of the legislative session and the progress bills that are of interest to the city.

 There has been a request to MML to make legislation to allow all municipalities to increase infractions a priority (HB1506). A hearing on this legislation was held on Tuesday, March 4. Senator Rosapepe is on the committee. 

We will see where the bill we pushed to get land use authority goes. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell had questions about a Childcare bill, HB859/SB611. According to Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Lucchi said that the legislation has a chance of passing to help childcare entities qualify their staff for health insurance. Mitchell asked the council to send a letter of support.

Councilmember Mackie said the AARP livability workgroup is interested in HB20 regarding affordable housing near transit zones. Mr. Gardiner said he would look into it.

Councilmember Whitney said building on Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell’s mention of a childcare bill for insurance, is it possible to hear from the Childcare taskforce on the other childcare bills? Mr. Gardiner said there is still time for them to review and make comments. He said he believes the lobbyist will be helpful and mentioned the committee will meet on Thursday. Whitney also asked about the bill regarding short-term rentals and if the council needs to send information about our position. Mr. Gardiner said we do not need to send anything. 

Councilmember Hernandez expressed concerns about HB718 (the establishment of Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Protection Commission), HB1045 (updating references to federal law related to family planning services), and HB936 (requiring notice for health Insurance cancellation and nonrenewal of coverage) and the range of services it would impact. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked for clarification on HB859 (access to health insurance for childcare professionals). She asked if we had to wait before sending a letter or if we should move forward. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion to send a letter of support, seconded by Councilmember Whitney, and Council voted to send a letter of support.

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

Husain, non-resident –asked if the developers for the student housing development took renewable energy into consideration. He said there was no need to answer now, but something to discuss later as new applicants come before the council. 

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER

Councilmember Mackie said she and Councilmember Hernandez attended a recent meeting at High Point High School to hear about their three-prong plan to raze it. They met the principal and students and were impressed. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell attended the recent Mayors Alliance on Hunger. She said there is a true threat to cutting SNAP. There is a letter of support for maintaining the SNAP program. 

Mayor Kabir said he attended Hollywood and Paint Branch Elementary Schools to see the “If I Were Mayor” presentations. He said he also attended the recent Four Cities meeting hosted by College Park, and said he will be attending the Mayors Municipal Association (MMA) Conference and will meet the governor. He said he looked forward to attending the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony at College Park Woods Clubhouse.

Councilmember Hew attended JTCC facility and represented the city. He said he is proud to have it in our city and acknowledged their work with people with disabilities which allows them to play tennis in a recognized tournament. 

Councilmember Hernandez said he was impressed and pleasantly surprised by the administration at High Point High School. He mentioned his upcoming community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 5. He is also excited about Duvall Field and thanked staff for their work. 

Mr. Young mentioned the Special Election for District 3 to be held on Tuesday, March 11 from 8am – 8pm. 

MEETING ADJOURNED

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on March 18, 2025, when it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following anticipated Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions proposed to be on the agenda that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:

Presentation: 

Pepco – High Utility Bills, Ronnie McTier, Senior External Affairs Specialist Annual Economic Development Report 

Consent: 

Award of a Contract for Municipal Mowing – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works 

Renewal of Insurance Contracts – Teresa Way-Pezzuti, Director of Human Resources 

Action Item: 

ZMA-2024-002, The Mark rezoning from RTO-L-E to RTO-PD for the re-development of a student housing facilities (involving the razing of College Park Towers and the construction of new student housing) located at 4330 Harwick Road and 4313 Knox Road. Planning Board Hearing tentatively scheduled for March 27, 2025-Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Community Development and Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner. 

Legislative Review (there is a possibility that action will be taken on time-sensitive bills) – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager